Friday, 13 October 2017, 03:09:16 PM. After a 'disappointing' period where they hired a coach accused of covering up sexual assault, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats have joined a program designed to discourage violence against women.

After a "disappointing" period where they hired a coach accused of covering up sexual assault, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats have joined a program designed to discourage violence against women.

'Obviously, it was a disappointing short period of time for the organization.'- Scott Mitchell, Ticats CEO

The Ticats announced Thursday that they've joined "Be More Than a Bystander" program. It's a joint effort with Interval House of Hamilton, which offers shelter and support for abused women.

Players Courtney Stephen, Justin Vaughn and Terrell Davis will be featured in the program, as will former Ticat Mike Morreale.

Through the program, the team will record a series of public service announcements that will air at 2018 Ticats games, among other venues. They'll also go to high schools in February 2018, and host thousands of high school students next spring.

Baylor settles suit that alleged rape 'culture of violence'

The program was already in the works when the team hired coach Art Briles in late August.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats launched a program with Interval House of Hamilton called Be More Than a Bystander. Kicking it off were CEO Scott Mitchell; Nancy Smith, executive director of Interval House of Hamilton; Val Sarjeant, chair of Interval House's MentorAction group, and Matt Afinec, Ticats executive vice president of business operations. (Hamilton Tiger-Cats)

Briles was fired as head coach at Baylor University last year in the wake of a sexual assault scandal. In a recently settled lawsuit, a woman alleged knowledge of at least 52 acts of rape by more than 30 football players while Briles was head coach.

The Ticats hired Briles, only to rescind the offer less than 24 hours later after community and fan backlash.

Ticats CEO Scott Mitchell acknowledged the Briles controversy Thursday. Mitchell said it was a misstep.

Art Briles hire still upsets Tiger-Cats fans

"Obviously, it was a disappointing short period of time for the organization," Mitchell said.

"When things like that happen, you get a choice in how you're going to react to it. Obviously I feel like we've tried to work with our partners to react in a positive fashion."

The Ticats hired Art Briles this summer, then rescinded the offer less than 24 hours later after community and fan backlash. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

It took a while to work out the program with Interval House, Mitchell said, because the team wanted to make sure it could adequately commit to it.

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